European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (Afib/RVR) is a frequent reason for emergency department (ED) visits and can be treated with a variety of pharmacological agents. Magnesium sulfate has been used to prevent and treat postoperative Afib/RVR. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of magnesium for treatment of Afib/RVR in the ED. ⋯ Meta-regressions demonstrated that higher maintenance dose (corr. coeff, 0.17; P = 0.01) was positively correlated with HR reductions, respectively. We observed that magnesium infusion can be an effective rate control treatment for patients who presented to the ED with Afib/RVR. Further studies with more standardized forms of control and magnesium dosages are necessary to assess the benefit/risk ratio of magnesium treatment, besides to confirm our observations.
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Rapid antigen point-of-care tests (antigen POC tests) are frequently used to detect COVID-19 infections. Based on clinical impressions, we suspected that the sensitivity of antigen POC tests might be lower in vaccinated patients. ⋯ Point-of-care antigen tests are likely not useful for ruling out SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in vaccinated and asymptomatic patients, potentially due to lower viral load. Moreover, the use of these tests might lead to a false sense of security, especially when used by the public as part of a public health testing strategy.
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Burnout is a common problem among healthcare professionals (HCPs), in particular young doctors and nurses working in emergency medical services. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the workload of those working in front-line services, and there is evidence of physical and mental distress among professionals that may have caused an increase in burnout. ⋯ In this study, there is a high reported level of burnout among emergency HCPs. Several risk factors were identified such as being understaffed, female, or having less experience. HCPs with burnout thought more frequently about leaving the workplace, posing a threat to healthcare systems.